'Skyfall' becomes first $1 billion James Bond movie

The latest Daniel Craig 007 outing, released to celebrate the secret agent's 50th cinematic anniversary, crossed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office over the Christmas holidays.

Skyfall has earned $289,600,000 (£179,280,032) at the US domestic box office and $710,600,000 (£439,904,665) from international territories. It is the first Bond movie to achieve that landmark during its original theatrical lifetime.

The film, directed by Oscar winner Sam Mendes, is expected to boost its cinema takings further when it opens in China in the New Year.

Skyfall has also crossed the £100 million barrier at the UK box office, making it the first movie to achieve that milestone.

The previous highest-grossing Bond outing worldwide was Casino Royale, which earned $596,365,000 (£369,186,244) on its theatrical debut in 2006.

Taking into account inflation, Thunderball is the most financially successful 007 picture of all time. Its $141,200,000 (£87,411,397) earnings in 1965 and early 1966 now translates to $1,014,941,117 (£628,310,345.76).

Skyfall, which is still showing in cinemas, will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 18, 2013.